Just Checking In

It has been a good long while since I have written on this blog. I'm sure the majority of you have been sitting on the edge of your seats awaiting my next post. Well here ya go....

First off, I completed my second year of med school in May and had a fun 6 weeks of studying for our 1st of 3 medical licensing board exams. This one tested pretty much all of the first two years of med school with a 7 hour ordeal. But I came out ok and I'm on to third year.

I should mention that after the test a few friends and I headed down to the Dominican Republic for a week. Here's a picture of the crew.
As I mentioned my third year has begun. At our school, third is the first time we really get any kind of legitimate patient contact. We rotate around in different specialties so that in a year and a half we can conceivably choose what we are doing for the rest of our lives. But anyways....I just finished my first rotation (surgery) with a big test on Friday. It was really interesting and cool to get to see some of that stuff up close and personal. I actually got to hold a heart as we were doing a bypass operation...and the patient even made it!! I have now started my second rotation (psychiatry) and am hoping for some better hours. I will say that I was seriously considering if this career was for me at the end of my second year. After getting in the hospital and actually practicing a little, I think I chose the right path.

I am pretty sad I missed the family picnic but duty called. I will hopefully be home for Thanksgiving and definitely for Christmas. I would love to see all of you and share some of the crazy stories I have already amassed in my short career.

Love everyone

Jake

A late night accomplishment

So I just finished building this website for a company in Utah and as I was waiting for the site to upload I happened to glance through all the recent family updates I have been missing out on (but my comments are now there, I'm catching up). Anyway, as it is 1:15 in the morning and a tremendous accomplishment that now this website is actually up, I thought I would just give ya'll the link to check it out.
www.customconnect.biz
On our family note, well, I'll have to post that when my brain isn't web-fried. :)
Love ya'll!
Hannah

Make it 16!

I know I've delayed in putting this up on the blog but didn't want to tred on toes of birthdays, anniversaries, and family picnic stuff. But honestly if I don't post it now, I never will. And I finally remembered how to post without emailing it!

ANYWAY -

Grandma can add a 16th great-grandchild to the list because Ry and I are expecting another little bundle of joy in March!! Woohoo!

We knew almost the whole time he was in Boise but I stupidly agreed to keep it a secret until he got back which meant morning sickness, cravings, and a growing belly (apparently they get bigger quicker with the second one?) all had to remain hidden from the family - oh and no wine on my birthday. I thought I did alright but I know everyone suspected. But, we made it and are now celebrating. Probably with a dog. Why not pile it on, right?

Any-hoo - we are hoping for a St. Paddy's Day baby (totally appropriate) so if ya'll have some super Irish names, let's get 'em rolling!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM (GRAMMA)

Happy 85th Birthday Mom. I was looking back on the post for your 84th birthday, and Hannah mentioned that you were one of the greatest people she has ever known. I'd have to second that sentiment. All 6 of us kids, 18 grandchildren, and 15(?) great grandchildren are very lucky to have you as the head of the family. We all love you very much. Hope you have a great day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BENEDICT!!

Happy Birthday to the big brother, little brother and all around joy to have in the family. It is amazing how quickly this kid grew up when a new little one came along. From Baby to Big Brother in 6 hours! WOW!

Here are a few pictures and a little video clip (abridged version) to show just how much personality this kid has!

Picnic Pix

Okay, Jan, you virtuous wonder. If you want picnic photos to eclipse your new grandson and your daughter and your son and daughter-in-law, fine. Here they are ...






And, of course, the perennial favorite ...

Patience is a Virtue!

I realize the title to be true and as you all know, I am a virtuous person, but my patience is wearing thin! Where are the family picnic pictures that were taken? Johnny and Tommy - you had cameras and you took pictures and I think it is time they were on the blog to share with all that were not there. We had a GREAT time but missed all of you youngins' that couldn't make it. We are already plotting and planning for the next one. So boys, let's go! Tommy, you need to let us know what we owe you, too. It was lots of fun as usual and Tommy and Jeanine picked a great spot! Thank you for your work on it.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MATT AND KELLY!

To two lovely parents:

Happy 5th Anniversary!! I hope you have an awesome day with all 3 of your boys!!! YEAH!!! You have a beautiful family and I am happy to see that it continues to grow!! (Distract mom as long as possible so she forgets that 4 of her children are single!!) :)

Since the 5th Anniversary is "wood" here is a little knock knock joke:

Knock Knock

Who's there?

Wendy

Wendy who?

Wendy wind blows the cradle will rock!!

Have a great day you two!!

Love your amazing sisters,
Molls and Jen

P.S. Sorry that the new little one is not in the picture, I don't have a recent picture of the entire family!! :) plus, his picture is just a couple of posts down, so people know what he looks like! :)

Happy Birthday, Meggie!!

A shout out to Meg on her 26th celebration of her birth! She gets this post a little early as we will be busy tomorrow cooking the meal she requested for her birthday dinner :) Ryan will be home Friday, so that will be a late present for her! You are such an awesome mom, wife and daughter! We couldn't be prouder of you!! Love you tons! Dad, Mom, Jen and Molly

Another Addition!

Add one more to the baby count!
 
Matt and Kelly are proud parents of their third little boy, Leo Joseph.  He weighed in this morning at 7 lbs, 1.6 oz ... and was 3 weeks early!!
 
Both mom and baby are doing fine!
 
Here's a picture of the beautiful boy.

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Get back to school stuff for them and cashback for you. Try Bing now.

WELCOME BABY MEUNIER!

Miranda had her baby this morning!! His name is Isaac Asher and he is a whopping 10 pounds 9 ounces!! Miranda had a C-section but both baby and mommy are doing well. More details and pictures to follow...

love ya
Mary

IRELAND!

Hey all!!
I figured now would be a good time to squeeze in my post about my trip to Ireland. It has been so busy on here with birthdays and family picnic stuff. First off, however, the family picnic was a blast!! I'm glad those of you who could make it were there but I'm bummed so many were missing. Next year. Ok, on to Ireland. It was a really fun 2 weeks full of lots of sightseeing and A LOT of potatoes. I always thought that was just a stereotype...oh no. In one meal I had roasted, mashed, and julienned potatoes. The food was excellent, though. I drank a lot of tea and Bulmers (which is a tasty hard cider). We traveled around the outer coast of Ireland starting in Dublin then heading south, up the west side to the north, then back down the east side to end up in Dublin again. Highlights would have to be kissing the Blarney Stone, the Cliffs of Moher, Giant's Causeway, watching locals Irish set dance in a really small town called Kilfenora, and all the gorgeous cathedrals and beautiful countryside. I really hope to make it back again someday and backpack around the countryside. There are so many quaint little towns and the people are all so friendly over there! The trip was a great way to take a mini-vacation from my very stressful summer of lounging... ;)

2009 Family Picnic

Been waiting for a break in the July Birthday Parade to get a post in about the Family Picnic. As previously announced, the Picnic will be held on Sunday - August 9th at Jumping Creek Campground which is located between White Sulpher Springs and Showdown ski area. We'll meet up there at noon and eat at 1:00. We'll be having fried chicken as the main course. I'll bring plates, napkins, and cutlery. I'll also bring a bunch of bottled water. Since everyone has such varied taste in other beverages, we're asking everyone to bring anything else they want to drink. Janet has pledged to make potato salad and Mary macaroni salad. Jeanine will bring a dessert. We'll also need various chips, maybe some dips and salsa, rolls, another dessert, perhaps another salad, some vegetables, or anything else you can think of.

So we can get a count for chicken, please reply to this post or give me a call at 406-860-3889 to let us know wheter or not you will be attending and what you can bring. We're looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday.

Love you all,
Tom and Jeanine